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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
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Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Published on: February 13, 2021
Mechanical support in acute and chronic heart failure
Andreas Brieke1, Joseph Cleveland, JoAnn Lindenfeld
1University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Division of Cardiology, 12631 East 17th Avenue, B130, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. andreas.brieke@uchsc.edu
Current Cardiology Reports
|May 21, 2008
Summary
Heart failure (HF) remains a significant health challenge, driving hospitalizations in older adults. Ventricular assist devices offer a promising alternative therapy to support failing hearts when transplantation is not an option.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) is a primary cause of hospitalization for individuals over 65 in the US.
- Despite advances in medical therapy and devices like automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy, HF mortality remains high.
- Limited donor heart availability necessitates alternative treatments for advanced heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution and advancements in mechanical circulatory support systems for heart failure.
- To highlight the progress in ventricular assist device (VAD) technology.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical development and technological improvements in artificial hearts and VADs.
- Analysis of changes in device design, from extracorporeal to internalized systems.
Main Results:
- Ventricular assist devices have evolved from large external machines to smaller, internalized devices.
- Improvements in VAD durability, reduced thrombogenicity, easier implantation, and better patient selection have expanded their use.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical circulatory support, particularly VADs, represents a critical advancement in managing heart failure.
- Ongoing innovation in VAD technology continues to improve outcomes and broaden treatment options for patients with severe heart failure.
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